Architecturally significant estates have many reasons to be lauded, but one often unsung feature of majestic, manor-like properties is the hardscaping that integrates the green surrounding landscape with the structure of the home to form a cohesive whole.
In this article, we explore the following question:
What can homeowners learn from the hardscaping practices of regal estates, to enhance their own, less opulent properties?
This article focuses on hardscaping lessons that can be learned from the 1928 Monterey Colonial Bauer Estate & Gardens — AKA the 60th Pasadena Showcase House of Design. Having recently toured the home and grounds, we wanted to share what we discovered about the hardscape that shapes the well-manicured grounds and plays a key role in making the almost century-year-old estate feel timeless.
Jump to:
- The Historic Appeal of Hardscaping
- Hardscaping Features of Bauer Estate & Gardens
- Practical Lessons for Homeowners
- Challenges and Considerations When Hardscaping Your Home
Also see:
- 5 Spectacular Rooms from the 2025 Pasadena Showcase House
- How to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal with Hardscaping
- Design Inspiration from the 2024 Pasadena Showcase House of Design
- More Recommended Outdoor Living Articles
- Related Topics: Indoor-Outdoor Living | Entertaining at Home | Swimming Pools | Landscaping
The Historic Appeal of Hardscaping
The historic appeal of hardscaping, as exemplified by Bauer Estate & Gardens, lies in its ability to combine timeless design with practical benefits that still resonate with modern homeowners.
Entrance to Bauer Estate & Gardens
Lion statues are a popular choice for the entrances of luxury estates due to their deep symbolic meaning and striking aesthetic, which resonate with the grandeur and prestige such properties aim to convey.
Structured hardscaping, such as stone pathways and stairways, stone terraces, formal gardens, and prominent water fountains, creates elegant, enduring outdoor spaces that transcend fleeting tastes and trends, offering a blueprint for sophistication that always feels fresh.
An original fountain in the back terrace of Bauer Estate & Gardens still providing tranquility all these years later
Well-designed hardscaping is also considered to be a “low-maintenance luxury” — seen in durable, enduring features such as stone patios and brick retaining walls — as it reduces upkeep, while preserving a refined — often rustic — aesthetic, a quality that appeals to those seeking classic beauty without the burden of constant care.
Winding stairwell that connects the pool area with the Carriage Guest House and Garage at Bauer Estate and Gardens
Beyond aesthetics, well designed and constructed hardscaping can support a vibrant indoor-outdoor lifestyle, with ample space to enable versatile outdoor entertaining options.
View of the pool and changing rooms that are built into the hillside at Bauer Estate & Gardens
High-quality, well-designed hardscaping that proves the test of time is known for consistently delivering the following benefits:
- Timeless Design
- Historical and Cultural Value
- Low-Maintenance Luxury
- Increased Property Value
- Versatile Event Hosting
- Indoor-Outdoor Lifestyle Appeal
- Sustainability and Regional Adaptation
Close up view of native plants alongside original stone walkway on the grounds of Bauer Estate & Gardens
Hardscaping Features of Bauer Estate & Gardens
A view of the Butterfly Star Rose Garden and swimming pool from the side terrace of the main house
The hardscaping features of Bauer Estate & Gardens, exemplify a masterful blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, showcasing the brilliance of landscape architect Katherine Bashford.
Site map of the 60th Pasadena Showcase House of Design: Bauer Estate & Gardens
Key elements include formal stone pathways that guide visitors throughout the estate, terraced gardens supported by low stone and brick retaining walls that manage the sloping terrain, and a central courtyard terrace paved with stone, serving as a focal point for gatherings.
The Terrace at Bauer Estate & Gardens, featuring outdoor furniture from McKinnon and Harris, is easily accessible from the main foyer and indoor stairway, as well as the back outdoor stairway and expansive back area grounds.
Serene water features — several fountains throughout the grounds, including a large reflecting pool at the entrance — add tranquility, while stone benches, patios and terraces provide natural, inviting spaces for relaxation, complemented by a grand driveway that enhances the estate’s stately approach.
A tranquil Zen Garden was added to the canal fountain by Gardzen Studio for the 2025 60th Pasadena Showcase House of Design.
The Buddha head and the sago palm hold special significance to the garden, as both miraculously survived the Eaton Fire.
Bashford’s design philosophy of “outdoor rooms” is evident throughout, as these hardscaping elements create defined, usable spaces that blend seamlessly with the estate’s lush surroundings, offering both practicality and elegance for entertaining or simple, quiet enjoyment.
Poolside lounge area of Bauer Estate & Gardens with updated outdoor furniture from McKinnon and Harris for the 60th Pasadena Showcase House
Spanning five acres, the estate integrates mature trees — citrus, oak, and sycamore — with the hardscape, ensuring a cohesive look that harmonizes with the natural landscape and frames stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains.
A long-standing rustic stone stairway approaching the main house of Bauer Estate & Gardens
The strategic placement of hardscaping not only enhances accessibility but also highlights the greenery, creating a natural, balanced, timeless design. This thoughtful integration contributes to the estate’s historical designation in Pasadena’s 2012 Study of Historic Designed Gardens, a recognition that underscores its prestige and cultural significance.
Front reflecting pool and fountain.
Enhancements to The Fountain Garden Court for the 2025 Pasadena Showcase House were made by TimothyJohnLA.
The Bauer Estate’s hardscaping, through Bashford’s vision, transforms the grounds into a series of elegant, functional spaces that have endured for nearly a century, cementing its status as a landmark of landscape design and an inspiration for those seeking to elevate their own outdoor environments with enduring, historically significant features.
Elegant architectural lighting on display at the 60th Pasadena Showcase Empty House Party at Bauer Estate & Gardens
Practical Lessons for Homeowners
Stylishly decorated patio doors and stone steps outside the Kitchen Great Room leading to the Zen Garden of the 2025 Pasadena Showcase House. Designed by Gardzen Studio.
Here are several practical applications taken from the 2025 Pasadena Showcase House version of Bauer Estate & Gardens that homeowners can consider integrating into their own properties:
- Pathways and Courtyards: Using paver stone or brick pathways to define garden areas and create welcoming entry points, inspired by the estate’s grand driveway and entry courtyard.
- Terraced Gardens: Terracing sloped yards with low retaining walls to add usable space and visual interest, as seen throughout the estate’s grounds.
- Water Features: Incorporating small fountains or reflecting pools for tranquility, and as a focal point, noting their low water usage compared to lawns.
- Seating Areas: Adding stone and wooden benches and patios and terraces for outdoor entertaining, drawing from the estate’s functional gathering spaces.
- Material Choices: Using native or locally sourced materials (e.g. stone & brick) to blend with the natural landscape, reflecting Bashford’s regional approach.
- Outdoor Decorations: Using flowers, plants, pots, vases, statues, furniture, curtains, art pieces, and lighting to soften large expanses of hardscape, while fostering interesting, more intimate outdoor spaces
View from La Dolce Far Niente (The Sweetness of Doing Nothing), a covered outdoor resting space designed by Shari Tipich for the 2025 Pasadena Showcase House
A decorated outdoor window space of the 2025 Pasadena Showcase House with bench, and potted plants
Flat stone garden borders made of original local materials
A diverse set of welcoming native plants soften the hardscape next to the estate’s main entrance in the Fountain Garden Court of the 2025 Pasadena Showcase House. Designed by TimothyJohnLA
Intimate seating area near the main entrance in The Fountain Garden Court. Designed by TimothyJohnLA.
An elegant classic vase featured in The Terrace of Bauer Estate & Gardens
Challenges and Considerations When Hardscaping Your Home
Adding hardscape to your home, comes with several challenges and considerations. However, most, if not all, of these challenges can be effectively managed by allocating sufficient budget, while working with high-quality, reliable designs, plans, service professionals, materials and products. If the legacy of Bauer Estate & Gardens can teach us anything about landscape architecture it is that great plans combined with quality hardscape will last virtually forever and feel timeless.
A view of the Bauer main house above the swimming pool changing rooms built into the hillside.
One primary challenge is the high initial investment of hardscaping, as materials like stone and professional installation fees can be costly, alongside the need for skilled design to avoid a look that might clash with a home’s style.
The “built-to-last” Center Stage Fountain located in the far edge of the estate’s backyard that is viewable all the way from the home’s front door.
Additionally, elements such as fountains require ongoing maintenance to prevent issues such as algae growth and mechanical failure, adding to long-term upkeep demands. To mitigate these challenges, homeowners can start with smaller projects, such as installing a single patio, to manage costs and test design ideas before committing to larger, more complex features.
Consulting landscape designers familiar with regional styles, can ensure that the hardscape will complement the local environment and will avoid an overly formal aesthetic. Choosing durable, low-maintenance materials, such as natural stone or brick, will reduce future care needs.
View of the Zen Garden by Gardzen Studio from an upstairs window. A reminder that well-designed hardscaping can enhance interior spaces, as well.
It’s also important to consider the niche appeal of historic designs, which may not suit all modern tastes due to their formal, structured nature. However, these designs can be adapted for broader appeal by incorporating contemporary elements, such as minimalist layouts or modern materials and styles, to balance historical charm with current trends.
Close up view of the timeless canal water feature of Bauer Estate & Gardens.
The water feature and surrounding space was updated and enhanced by Gardzen Studio for the 2025 Pasadena Showcase House.
By addressing these challenges — through phased projects, expert guidance, and strategic material choices — homeowners can create hardscaped spaces that enhance their property’s value and functionality, while reflecting their personal style. By drawing inspiration from the timeless elegance of estates, like Bauer, homeowners refrain from being constrained by their historical rigidity.
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